The Forgotten Family (9 page)

‘You don’t know nothing about it,’ Hilda said, clearly agitated.

‘But I do.’ Ellie carefully removed the pins from her hat, took it off and shook her fair hair free. ‘You see,
I
am Queenie.’

There was a stunned silence as everyone stared at Ellie. Then Hilda Bonner whispered something to her husband.

‘Course she ain’t, you daft old woman.’

‘She could be, the hair’s right, so’s the eyes.’ Hilda came closer. ‘You really my Queenie?’

‘Yes, but I’m not
yours
.’ Ellie slipped her hand through her father’s arm. ‘You gave up the right to call me that fifteen years ago.’

Hilda turned on her husband. ‘How’s she know that if she isn’t Queenie?’

Fred looked doubtful now, glaring at Albert. ‘I ain’t never seen you before. What you say your name was?’

‘I didn’t, but it’s Smythe.’

Fred laughed. ‘Who you trying to kid, mate? That’s only a posh name for Smith, ain’t it?’

‘Is it? I really wouldn’t know,’ Albert lied with aplomb.

‘Never mind about that!’ Hilda slapped her husband to gain his attention. ‘I wanna know what she’s doing here.’

‘Perhaps she’s come to give her old mum and dad a helping hand.’ Fred swaggered up to Albert, a calculating gleam in his eyes. ‘You’re the one who wanted her, are you? What’s it worth for us to keep out of your way?’

Ellie was sickened by the callous behaviour, and spoke before her father could reply. ‘You’ll get nothing from us.’

‘What you here for then?’

Facing the woman, Ellie held her gaze unflinchingly. ‘I
want to know why you sold me to strangers for the paltry sum of five guineas.’

‘Paltry!’ Fred shouted. ‘That was a bleedin’ fortune to us.’

Ellie ignored him and didn’t look away from Hilda. ‘You haven’t answered my question.’

‘We had ten of you to feed, and when some gent offered us money for you, we took it.’

‘Didn’t you have any regrets when they took me away?’

‘We was too bloody poor to have regrets.’ Fred studied Albert, who was stopping them from getting too close. ‘You took her on, did you?’

‘I did, and I’m proud to have her for my daughter.’

Hilda said nothing, but her husband snorted. ‘Looks like we did you a good turn, girl.’

‘Oh, you did. I’ve had the most wonderful, loving parents.’ She looked up at her father. ‘We have finished here, Father, let us leave.’

She was lifted into the cab, quickly followed by Albert and Mr Rogers, all eager to get away from this place. As the cab pulled away, they could hear a row going on.

‘Find out where he lives. We’ve got his name.’

‘Don’t be daft, woman, you don’t think that’s his real name, do you? And he certainly ain’t from the government. The whole thing was a bloody lie …’

They were soon out of earshot and Ellie relaxed, closing her eyes for a moment. That had been an ordeal, and she’d been tempted to leave without telling them who she was, but in the end she’d wanted them to know.

‘Eleanor.’

Opening her eyes, she saw her father watching her anxiously. ‘Are you all right?’

‘Yes, yes I am.’ She sat up straight. ‘I didn’t know how I would feel when I saw them – if I would be drawn to them, or angry with what they had done. Would I hate them, or perhaps feel the blood tie and want to get to know them better?’

‘And how do you feel?’ her father prompted when she stopped speaking.

‘It was strange. I wasn’t afraid to be standing in that squalid street, perhaps it was some latent memory, but I didn’t feel any connection to the Bonners.’ She shook her head, not being able to believe her reaction to seeing the woman who had given birth to her. ‘They meant nothing to me, in fact I felt sorry for them. Trying to bring up ten children in that hovel must have been awful. I’m grateful they sold me to you, for they saved me from a squalid existence. I’m glad I’ve met them, but I have no wish to see them again.’

Albert smiled in relief. ‘I don’t believe you were ever fond of them. When you came to us you wanted your brothers and sisters, especially Harry, but you never asked for your parents.’

‘It was right to come here, Father, and thank you for bringing me.’ Taking the list out of her purse, she crossed off the names of Hilda and Fred Bonner. ‘And thank you also, Mr Rogers, for finding out where two of the others are living.’

‘If we can find one, then that will probably lead on to others,’ Mr Rogers said. ‘They don’t appear to have much
to do with their parents, but they are bound to have kept in touch with each other.’

‘We’ll arrange a visit to Wandsworth soon, but now let us enjoy the rest of the day.’ Albert gave the cab driver fresh instructions, and then sat down again. ‘Lunch first, then a visit to the Palace of Westminster.’

‘Oh, I am looking forward to that. Are you, Mr Rogers?’

‘It will be an exciting afternoon, and I shall expect you to write an essay about it tomorrow.’

Ellie grinned when she heard her father laugh. He was looking happier and more relaxed than she had seen him for a long time. And it felt as if a weight had been lifted from her mind after seeing the Bonners. There was nothing there for her. She was free, and she was pleased she’d had the courage to come. The next task was to try and find as many of her brothers and sisters as possible. She was sure that would be more emotional.

Without even stopping to take off her hat and coat, Ellie went straight in to see Nanny when they arrived back home, knowing she would be waiting impatiently for news.

‘Sit, sit,’ the elderly woman ordered eagerly. ‘Tell me what happened, and I want every word, mind you.’

Ellie spent the next hour explaining about the Bonners, with Nanny nodding in approval every now and again.

‘I’m glad I saw them, Nanny, because now I know that they meant nothing to me. I could never think of them as my parents, and it was clear that they had no affection for me.’

‘I guessed that might be so, for you never spoke of them. But you loved your brothers and sisters. Meeting them could be upsetting for you, Eleanor.’

‘I realise that. Mr Rogers was very clever and found out where two of them are living. Father said we shall visit
soon, and I’m hoping to persuade him to go tomorrow.’

The maid entered to find out what Nanny wanted for her evening meal when the first dinner gong sounded. Ellie leapt to her feet. ‘Oh, I haven’t changed yet!’

‘You’d better run. Don’t keep your father waiting.’

Lifting her skirt she ran into the hall, nearly colliding with the tutor. ‘I do beg your pardon,’ she gasped. ‘I’ve been talking too long and shall be late for dinner. Are you joining us?’

‘I have been invited to dine with Nanny.’

Ellie gurgled in delight. ‘That means you are still under scrutiny.’

‘It would appear so.’ He didn’t try to hide his amusement as he headed for Nanny’s room.

Ellie just had time to change into a dark purple mourning dress as the final gong sounded. Only after a mad dash did she manage to join her father just in time, and out of breath. She felt as if she were seeing him in a fresh light. He was so tall and handsome, elegantly dressed, and as unruffled as usual, even after the kind of day they’d had. Was this how the little, frightened girl had first seen him? Was she drawn to the kindness in his eyes? Was the trust between them formed the moment he had removed the shoes she’d hated so much? Her eyes swam with tears. It must have been, but that child had seen a younger man. Now his black hair was laced with grey, and his face lined with worry and fatigue. Losing the woman he’d loved, and now the worry of looking for the Bonners, was taking its toll. She didn’t want to cause him more grief, but she just had to do this. With a determined
look in her eyes, she stood beside him. ‘When can we go to Wandsworth, Father?’

‘Tomorrow is Sunday and might be a good time to find them in. What do you think? Is that too soon for you?’

‘Oh, no, that would be perfect. Thank you.’ Seeing there was no one else with them, she asked, ‘Is Uncle Henry joining us tonight?

‘He’s coming later with Philip.’ He threaded her hand through his arm and led her to the dining room. ‘We shall be dining alone.’

It was nine o’clock before Uncle Henry and her cousin arrived. Philip rushed up to Ellie, one question after another tumbling out.

‘There’s a fire in the small sitting room, Eleanor. Why don’t you take  Philip in there and tell him all about today?’

‘It looks as if I’ll have to, Father, or he will burst with curiosity.’ Ellie laughed as her cousin dragged her to the other room.

They sat on the floor in front of the fire, and for once, Philip was silent while she told him about the Bonners and the way they lived.

He shuddered when she had finished. ‘Sounds terrible. I bet you’re pleased you live here and not there.’

‘I am.’ She drew up her knees, resting her chin on them and staring at the dancing flames. The things she had always taken for granted, like good food, cleanliness, warmth, comfort and love, now came into sharp focus. No longer would she thoughtlessly accept them. Her life was privileged. She wondered how many thousands like those they had seen today had enough to eat and a good fire to
keep them warm on this cold early November evening. Very few, she suspected. Her father had campaigned tirelessly for better education and living conditions for the poor, and now she understood his passion. Someone ought to care …

‘Don’t look so sad, Ellie.’ Philip was frowning with concern. ‘I don’t care that you were adopted. You’re still my cousin. Nothing’s changed.’

‘Thank you Philip.’ She was touched by his little speech, but he was wrong about one thing. Something had changed. She had changed. She would never be quite the same person she had been before finding out the truth about herself.

‘What are you going to do when you see your brothers and sisters?’

‘I don’t know.’ She sighed. ‘It depends what they are like, and if they’re pleased to see me. If they have the same attitude as the Bonners, then I’ll just walk away and try to forget about them.’

‘That won’t be easy.’

‘No, it won’t, but after today I believe I’m stronger and more able to cope with whatever happens. I pray so, anyway.’

Philip smirked. ‘You were already strong enough.’

Pushing away her worry, she surged to her feet, determination in her eyes. ‘Let’s see, shall we? I bet I can pick you up.’

Philip shrieked, crawling out of her way on hands and knees.

‘Sounds like our children are up to their boisterous games again.’ Henry shook his head listening to their play fighting. ‘They should be acting like a young lady and gentleman by now.’

‘Let them stay children for as long as possible. They will have the responsibilities of adulthood soon enough.’ Albert poured them both a generous brandy. ‘Though Eleanor was very mature today, behaved impeccably. I was very proud of her.’

‘Tell me what happened.’ Henry sat in a comfortable leather armchair and savoured his drink.

He listened to Albert’s detailed account of their meeting with the Bonners. ‘Ah, Eleanor kept her thinking straight, and didn’t get emotional or panic.’

‘It went well, but I was damned glad to get her away from there.’ Albert gave a faint smile. ‘Quite a crowd had gathered and they didn’t look too friendly when they realised that we weren’t there on official business. I almost threw her into the cab. I had the impression that she was the calmer of the two of us.’

‘That’s because you were more aware of the danger, Albert. Things could have turned nasty very quickly. Eleanor has led a sheltered life, and is quite innocent of the ways of the world.’

‘I know, and that is causing me some concern. We’ve met the Bonners, and Eleanor has realised that there was never any affection between them. They didn’t want her, and felt no remorse over what they’d done. I saw the determined set of her mouth when she crossed off their names from her list, but their attitude must have
hurt her. However, I am confident that that part of her life has been laid to rest. The difficulty will be when she comes face-to-face with her brothers and sisters. What is she going to do then, Henry? They won’t be so easy to dismiss.’

‘You could be right about that.’ Henry held out his glass for a refill, a wry twist to his mouth. ‘You could end up with a huge family. I wish you had never told her. Why did you do it?’

Hauling himself to his feet, he poured Henry another drink, leaving his own glass empty. ‘I was left with very little choice in the matter. First Nanny let the name of Queenie slip, and then Mary called her that just before she died. And I know Mary thought she should be told soon.’

‘Yes, that’s true. But this could turn out to be damned tricky. Talk to her, Albert, tell her that you can’t take the entire Bonner brood under your wing.’

‘We only know where two of them are at the moment. I’ll see how those meetings go. I have agreed to take Eleanor tomorrow. She is eager to see them.’

‘Would you like me to come with you?’

‘No thanks, Henry. We’ll go on our own.’

The next morning Ellie was too pent-up to take any notice of inclement weather. She paced up and down the hallway, waiting for her father to finish his business with Uncle Henry. They were buying a forest, or something. Ordinarily, she would have been interested in the new business venture, but today she just wished they would hurry.

‘Eleanor.’

She spun round to see her father standing behind her. ‘Are you ready?’

‘Yes’

‘The carriage is being brought round now.’

‘Oh, good.’ All of a sudden she felt paralysed and her feet wouldn’t move. Doubts assailed her and she stood helplessly before her father. ‘Suppose they don’t want to see me?’

‘You won’t know that unless you go to them.’ He watched his daughter warring with emotions. ‘The choice is yours, Eleanor. We won’t pursue this matter further if that is your wish.’

‘If only I could remember them.’ She stripped off her gloves, straightened them out, and then put them back on, easing them over her fingers, showing her agitation. ‘I’m frightened. Suppose my brothers and sisters don’t want anything to do with me?’ Her hands shook.

‘Ah, it has just hit her.’ Henry was now standing next to Albert. ‘Sometimes a shock has the habit of creeping up on you after the event.’

‘I don’t know what happened in that house all those years ago.’ Albert made her sit on one of the hall chairs and crouched down in front of her. ‘But I can tell you that you have only ever been a joy to us. Even when you first arrived and couldn’t understand why you had been taken away from your family, you were obedient. You even tried to wear the shoes you hated, just to please us. You were a delightful little girl and no trouble at all. Once we’d managed to stop you swearing, of course.’

Her laugh came out on a sob as she leant forward to throw her arms around his neck, nearly toppling him over. ‘How did I come to be so lucky?’

‘That’s what we thought when you used to run around the garden barefoot chasing anything that moved, and squealing with laughter. He stood up, pulling her to her feet. ‘I’m not going to tell you what to do, my dear, this is something you must decide for yourself.’

The panic had receded. ‘If I don’t do this then I shall wonder about them for the rest of my life, and regret not having had the courage to face them. But, I promise you, Father, that should the reception be hostile, then that will be the end of it. We won’t look for any more of them.’

‘Let us go, then.’

By the time they reached Wandsworth, Ellie had managed to gain some control over her nerves. She had to remain calm. It was at her insistence that the Bonners be found, and she would have to deal with the consequences of that decision – whatever they might be.

The Hansom cab stopped at the end of Crondall Street.

‘Wait here for us,’ her father instructed.

‘Yes, sir.’ The driver tipped his hat, looking pleased to have such a lucrative fare.

Ellie gazed up and down the long street, and although it was still a poor area, it was much better than Whitechapel. The houses were in good repair, and the gleaming steps showed that the residents cared about cleanliness. ‘This is a nicer area, but how shall we find out where Pearl lives?’

‘Simple. We just ask.’ Albert knocked on the nearest door, and when a middle-aged woman opened it, he smiled. ‘I beg your pardon for troubling you, Madam, but my daughter and I are looking for Mrs Greenway.’

She seemed startled to find such elegant people on her doorstep, but returned the smile. ‘She lives at number twenty-eight, sir.’

‘Thank you very much.’ He bowed slightly, his manners impeccable no matter who he was dealing with.

Ellie watched him with pride. He had always told her that all should be treated with respect, regardless of their station in life, providing they did harm to no one. She added her own thanks.

‘Come, Eleanor, let’s see if Pearl is at home.’

As they walked up the street, Ellie couldn’t help glancing back. The woman was still watching them with curiosity.

The house was like every other one in the street, the curtains were clean and there was a small vase of yellow chrysanthemums on the windowsill, making a lovely splash of colour on this dreary November day. Ellie liked that touch, and took a deep breath as her father knocked on the door. She was trembling in anticipation. What could she say when she saw her sister? Her mind was a complete blank.

When the door opened she gasped. Standing there was a young woman with a child perched on her hip. But it was her appearance that was the biggest shock. There was no doubting that this was one of her family. It was like looking at an older version of herself; the hair was the same colour,
eyes a paler blue, but the features were almost identical. There was no need to ask if this was Pearl. They stared at each other, mesmerised.

‘Forgive us for calling unannounced, but my daughter would like to speak with you.’ Albert turned to Ellie, and then stepped back. ‘You must talk to Pearl on your own, my dear. I’ll wait by the cab for you.’

He was leaving her on her own? She wanted to call him back, but realised what he was doing. This first meeting with her sister should be between the two of them, and he wouldn’t interfere.

‘Who are you?’ Pearl was puzzled.

Ellie gulped, and managed to whisper, ‘I’m Queenie … your sister.’

There was a stunned silence, and then Pearl beamed. ‘My God, that’s why you look familiar. Come in.’

The front door led straight into a small room; cheaply furnished, but spotlessly clean. The baby was put on the floor where it could crawl and play with a rubber ball.

‘Let’s have a look at you.’ Pearl grabbed hold of her arms, turning her to face the light from the window. ‘Take your hat off.’

When Ellie had done this, her sister nodded and kissed her cheek. She had tears in her eyes. ‘Oh, yes, you are Queenie. You always were the prettiest of us all, even as a baby. I’ve got so many questions to ask you, but I must go an’ get Jack and my husband Dave. Sit down while I nip next door.’

Ellie waited, overwhelmed by the excited greeting. For the first time she was really happy that her father
had told her about the adoption. It couldn’t have been more than a couple of minutes before she heard the tread of heavy feet and a man burst into the room. His colouring was darker, but there was no mistaking the family likeness.

‘Queenie!’ Jack hugged her. ‘How bloody marvellous. We never expected to see you again. Tell us where you’ve been. What has happened to you?’ Then he frowned. ‘Why are you wearing mourning?’